At a Glance:
How to Wash Wool in a Washing Machine
Best Washers For Wool Garments
Knowing how to wash wool blankets and sweaters isn’t always as cut and dry as other, more standard types of fabric. Washing wool can be a bit scary, especially if it’s not something you’re extremely familiar with. Follow along to find out how to wash wool sweaters, as well as practical tips on how to wash wool blankets and your other favorite wool pieces.
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Shop WashersWhy Is Wool So Hard to Wash?
Wool is an extremely sensitive material to wash because it comes from the fleece of sheep and other animals, meaning it has unique properties compared to other standard materials like cotton and polyester. If you have a favorite wool sweater, or cozy wool blanket that you need to wash, but keep wondering “How do I wash wool?”, you’re not alone. Washing wool can scare off a lot of people, simply because the material is so delicate and can’t handle high temperatures, harsh chemicals, or rough handling, which can lead to irreparable damage. Wool can also shrink extremely easily, which is almost impossible to reverse.
How to Wash Wool in a Washing Machine
Washing wool can be tricky and can often ruin your favorite wool sweaters or blankets if not done correctly. To wash wool in your washing machine, follow these simple steps.
1. Check Labels
Wool can be hand washed, dry cleaned, or washed in a washing machine, depending on the fabric’s care labels. Before you begin the process of washing wool, you need to stop and ask yourself “Can I put wool in my washer?” Some care labels warn against using washing machines to clean wool sweaters, blankets, and other wool garments, so be sure to check your garments’ care labels before throwing them in the washer. If you see the washing machine symbol, then it’s safe to wash in the washer.
2. Pre-treat Stains
If you are washing wool that has noticeable stains, be sure to pretreat them before washing them in your washing machine. Pre-treating stains will give you the best results once the wash cycle is finished. Use a gentle spot treatment of your choice, and gently work the treatment into the fabric using your fingers or a gentle scrub brush, then rinse away the lather once you’re finished.
3. Place Wool in a Mesh Laundry Bag
One step you can take to ensure your wool is extra protected in your washing machine is to add it to a mesh laundry bag before throwing it in the washer. Mesh laundry bags add an extra layer of protection for your fabric, as well as prevent any unwanted snagging during the wash cycle.
4. Select Your Wash Cycle
Washing machines sometimes have a specific “wool” cycle available for you to use, but sometimes they just offer a general cycle option like “delicates” or “gentle”. Check your washing machine user manual for the best way to clean your wool sweaters or blankets. You want to avoid using cycles like “bulky” or “normal” on your washing machine because the agitation could be harmful to anything made of wool material. Add your wool garment (by itself) into your washing machine, and select gentle, delicate, or wool, according to your washing machine’s instructions. Make sure your water temperature is set to cool and the spin cycle is on the lowest setting.
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5. Add Mild Detergent
You can add a mild or gentle detergent to your washing machine when washing wool, just be sure to avoid anything with harsh chemicals. You also want to avoid adding fabric softener when washing wool because this can compromise the integrity of the wool.
6. Run Cycle & Then Remove
Run your washing machine cycle, and then remove your wool garments as soon as the cycle has finished. Lay the wool garment flat to dry on a clean, dry towel and reshape as needed.
→ Learn more: Laundry Emergency: Why is My Dryer Not Drying?
Best Washers For Wool Garments
Now, let's take a look at some of the best washers for how to wash wool garments.
LG 5.0 Cu. Ft. Black Steel Front Load Washer
Shop the LG 5.0 Cu. Ft. Black Steel Front Load Washer
This LG washer boasts a designated “Wool” wash cycle, that is specialized in creating the perfect washing environment for hand washing and wool garments. Gentle, yet powerful, the “Hand/Wool” Cycle penetrates deep into your wool garments, without disrupting the integrity of the fibers, reduces shrinkage, and gives your favorite wool sweaters and blankets the clean they need. This washer takes all the guesswork out of how to wash a wool blanket, giving you soft, pliable fabric load after load.
- Model: WM6700HBA
- Dimensions: 39” H x 27” W x 33.25” D
- Total Capacity: 5.0 Cu. Ft.
Samsung 5.4 Cu. Ft. Brushed Black Top Load Washer
Shop the Samsung 5.4 Cu. Ft. Brushed Black Top Load Washer
With the gentle cycle on this Samsung washer, you can count on optimal wash performance for any delicate fabric, including wool, lingerie, silks, and more. Optimized to take gentle care of delicate fabrics, reducing the amount of shrinkage and felting, the “Gentle” cycle is a go-to for caring for your favorite wool sweaters and blankets. The large 5.4 Cu. Ft. capacity interior allows for ample space for even your largest wool blanket, ensuring it gets the care it deserves throughout the entire wash cycle.
- Model: WA54CG7105AV
- Dimensions: 45.81” H x 27.56” W x 29.44” D
- Total Capacity: 5.4 Cu. Ft.
LG Series 4.5 Cu. Ft. Graphite Steel Front Load Washer
Shop the LG Series 4.5 Cu. Ft. Graphite Steel Front Load Washer
The LG Series Front Load Washer is a dependable choice for those looking to get the most out of their wool garments. Its dedicated Hand Wash/Wool cycle is designed to be gentle enough to handle your delicate items by reducing agitation and minimizing the risk of shrinking. Activate the Steam Cycle for a more advanced cleaning on wool, which effectively rids your clothing of pet dander and dust.
- Model: WM5700HVA
- Dimensions: 39” H x 27” W x 30.25” D
- Total Capacity: 4.5 Cu. Ft.
Electrolux 4.5 Cu. Ft. Glacier Blue Front Load Washer
Shop the Electrolux 4.5 Cu. Ft. Glacier Blue Front Load Washer
Take care of your wool garments with Electrolux’s LuxCare Wash System, available in this front load washer. Ensuring the optimum amount of detergent and water temperature, while featuring improved wash actions, the LuxCare Wash System is a promising choice for an unrivaled clean of even your most delicate garments. Perfect Steam lifts dirt from even the most soiled garments, while the large interior drum gives enough space for a thorough, comprehensive clean.
- Model: ELFW7437AG
- Dimensions: 38” H x 27” W x 32” D
- Total Capacity: 4.5 Cu. Ft.
Speed Queen® TR7 3.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop the Speed Queen® TR7 3.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
While this Speed Queen washer doesn’t have a designated “Wool” cycle like some washing machines, the innovative “Delicate” cycle provides a smooth, gentle wash process that is ideal for washing wool garments. Speed Queen washers are known for their powerful performance on all laundry types, and with various wash settings built for versatility, you can wash wool blankets and sweaters with ease. With sturdy construction and long-standing durability, the Speed Queen TR7 3.2 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer is sure to elevate your laundry experience for years to come.
- Model: TR7003WN
- Dimensions: 42.75” H x 25.63” W x 28” D
- Total Capacity: 3.2 Cu. Ft.
Tips For Washing Wool
Looking for extra tips on how to wash wool blankets and sweaters? Here are some helpful pointers:
- Keep the water temperature at a cool setting.
- Always keep the spin speed on the lowest spin setting.
- Wash wool garments every 7-10 wears if possible.
- Always empty pockets of your wool garments before washing to help your wool clothes keep their shape.
- Wash wool garments with the buttons clasped or zipper zipped. This will also aid in keeping the clothing’s shape.
→ Learn more: 6 Best Washer and Dryer Sets This Year
FAQs
Can I put wool in the washer?
Some wool garments are hand-washed only, while some can be put in the washer on a “delicate” or “Wool” setting. Be sure to check the care label to see how your wool clothing or blankets should be washed.
How to wash wool blanket without shrinking it?
If your wool blanket only needs spot cleaning, you can spot clean it with a gentle detergent and soft cloth. If you need to put your wool blanket in the washer, run the cycle on a gentle setting, with the water temperature on cool and the spin speed on low. Remove the wool blanket as soon as the wash cycle is complete, and lay flat to dry.
Where to find washing machines near me?
Searching the internet for "washing machines near me?" Residents of St. George and Cedar City, UT, Las Vegas, and Mesquite, NV have the perfect place to shop for high-quality washing machines at BlvdHome. Check out their wide selection of durable, reputable washing machines for all your laundry day needs.
Why Trust BlvdHome?
The roots of this family business began as early as the pioneer settlement of Southern Utah. One descendant of those 1861 pioneers was Lester Wittwer. In 1928, he started a trucking business with other family members, delivering homegrown fruits and vegetables to many outlying areas. The story of BlvdHome began in 1974 when Lester’s son Tony decided to venture off into the furniture world - with two full-time employees and a small showroom of only 8,000 square feet. Today, BlvdHome has 5 retail locations with over 160,000 sq. ft. of showroom space, located in St. George, Utah, Hurricane, Utah, Cedar City, Utah, Mesquite, Nevada, and a new Las Vegas location. With over 230 amazing team members, BlvdHome continues to deliver on a commitment to customer service that started over 90 years ago.
Shop Washers at BlvdHome
At BlvdHome, we provide quality name-brand appliances, furniture, and mattresses for great prices. Shop washers online or visit us today at one of our locations in Utah or Nevada. In the meantime, browse our website to shop BlvdHome Bargain Barn and check out our flooring selections to increase your home value. More available than ever, our experts at BlvdHome are always happy to help you learn how to wash wool blankets and sweaters, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Contact us today!
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